Sikh Religious Society celebrates Fourth in Palatine

The Sikh Religious Society, Palatine, participated in the American Independence Day parade Saturday, July 1, in the village of Palatine. The annual parade, with about 80 entries, was organized by the Palatine Jaycees as a part of the 61st annual Hometown Fest held Fourth of July weekend.

The parade included professional entertainment, as well as entries from local organizations and businesses, local government officials, fire, police and other village entities. Sikh American men, women and children affiliated with Palatine Gurdwara marched alongside a float decorated with patriotic colors.

The Sikhs distributed free bottled water and candy to spectators along the parade route.

The parade ended near the community park, where Palatine's Fourth of July celebration was in full swing. The festival included fireworks, entertainment, food vendors, parade, carnival, car show, business expo and craft fair and other family activities.

"The purpose of our participation is to celebrate America's Independence Day, and also proudly display our Sikh American community and culture," said Rajinder Singh Mago, coordinator of the Sikh participation in the parade.

Punjabi Bhangra Dhols (drums) played live while spectators clapped, smiled and danced to the drum beats.

"Festivals like these bring people together. It's a great opportunity to create awareness about Sikhs, who are usually mistaken by most Americans," said Dr. Jasvinder Singh Chawla.

An informational pamphlet, "The Sikhs," was also distributed to curious spectators.

Palatine is home to Sikh Religious Society Gurdwara, the oldest in Midwest America.

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